UPDATED INFORMATIVE DIGEST All suppliers of domestic water to the public are subject to regulations adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) as well as by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) under the California Safe Drinking Water Act, Health and Safety Code (H&S Code). The previous operator certification program (Title 17, Chapter 5, sections 7104 through 7134 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR)) was initially adopted in 1973. The operator certification program presented in these sections of the CCR did not meet the federal guidelines or the H&S Code. In 1999, the USEPA published guidance (Federal Register 64 (24), 5916-5921, February 5, 1999), as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996, that established minimum requirements for state operator certification programs. Additionally, in 1999 the State legislature amended the H&S Code to conform to the federal statute and guidelines (Chapter 755, 1999 statutes). These regulations have been adopted pursuant to that statute (H&S Code 106875 et. seq.). Note: This publication is meant to be an aid to the Staff and Advisory Committee members of the State Water Board and cannot be relied upon by the regulated community as the State of California’s representation of the law. The published codes are the only official representation of the law. Refer to the published codes – in this case, 17 CCR and 22CCR – whenever specific citations are required. Statutes related to the State Board’s drinking water related activities are in the Health & Safety Code, the Water Code, and other codes.

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TITLE 22. SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION 4. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

CHAPTER 13. OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

Article 1. Definitions ............................................................................................. 3 §63750.10. Accredited Academic Institution ........................................................... 3 §63750.15. Certificate............................................................................................. 3 §63750.20. Certified Distribution Operator ............................................................. 3 §63750.25. Chief Operator ..................................................................................... 3 §63750.30. Comprehensive Operator Training Program ........................................ 3 §63750.35. Contact Hour........................................................................................ 3 §63750.40. Continuing Education Course .............................................................. 3 §63750.45. Distribution Operator ............................................................................ 3 §63750.50. Distribution System .............................................................................. 3 §63750.55. GED ..................................................................................................... 4 §63750.60. Interim Distribution Operator Certificate ............................................... 4 §63750.65. Operator Experience ............................................................................ 4 §63750.70. Shift Operator ...................................................................................... 4 §63750.75. Specialized Training ............................................................................ 4 §63750.80. State Water Board ............................................................................... 4 §63750.85. Water treatment facility ........................................................................ 4 Article 2. Operator Certification Grades ............................................................. 4 §63765. Water Treatment Facility Staff Certification Requirements ....................... 4 §63770. Distribution System Staff Certification Requirements ............................... 5 Article 3. Operator Examination Criteria and Applications ............................... 6 §63775. Eligibility Criteria for Taking a Water Treatment Operator Examination .... 6 §63780. Eligibility Criteria for Taking a Distribution Operator Examination ............. 7 §63785. Examination Application Content and Submittal ....................................... 8 §63790. Filing Deadline and Requirement for Identification at Examination ........... 8 §63795. Examination Application Resubmittals and Reexaminations .................... 9 Article 4. Operator Certification Criteria and Applications ............................... 9 §63800. Eligibility Criteria for Water Treatment Operator Certification ................... 9 §63805. Eligibility Criteria for Distribution Operator Certification ............................ 10 §63810. Interim Certification of Distribution Operators ........................................... 12 §63815. CNAWWA Distribution Operator Certification ........................................... 12 §63820. Temporary Distribution Operator Certification .......................................... 13 §63825. Restricted Operator Certification............................................................... 13 §63830. Certification Application Content and Submittal ........................................ 14 §63835. Certification Application Resubmittal ........................................................ 14 §63840. Certification Renewals .............................................................................. 14 Article 5. Certification Renewals, Delinquent Renewals and Fees ................... 15 §63845. Reinstatement........................................................................................... 15 §63850. Fees .......................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring Regulations

Article 2. General Requirements ......................................................................... 17 §64413.1. Classification of Water Treatment Facilities ........................................... 17 §64413.3. Classification of Distribution Systems .................................................... 20 §64413.5. Treatment Facility Staff Certification Requirements ............................... 21 §64413.7. Distribution System Staff Certification Requirements ............................ 22

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TITLE 22. SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION 4. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

CHAPTER 13. OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

ARTICLE 1. Definitions §Section 63750.10. Accredited Academic Institution. “Accredited academic institution” means an academic institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or an accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Post-Secondary Education. §Section 63750.15. Certificate. “Certificate” means a certificate of competency issued by the Department stating that the operator has met the requirements for a specific operator classification of the certification program. §Section 63750.20. Certified Distribution Operator. “Certified distribution operator” means a distribution operator who possesses a valid certificate issued pursuant to this chapter. §Section 63750.25. Chief Operator. “Chief operator” means the person who has overall responsibility for the day-to-day, hands-on, operation of a water treatment facility or the person who has overall responsibility for the day-to-day, hands-on, operation of a distribution system. §Section 63750.30. Comprehensive Operator Training Program. “Comprehensive Operator Training Program” means an on-the-job training program that allows an operator to gain proficiency in all systems and processes related to a water treatment facility. §Section 63750.35. Contact Hour. “Contact hour” means not less than 50 minutes of specialized training or a continuing education course. §Section 63750.40. Continuing Education Course. “Continuing education course” means a presentation that transmits information related to the operation of a treatment facility and/or distribution system. §Section 63750.45. Distribution Operator. “Distribution operator” means any person who maintains or operates any portion of a distribution system. §Section 63750.50. Distribution System. “Distribution system” means any combination of pipes, tanks, pumps, etc., which delivers drinking water from a source or treatment facility to the consumer and includes:

(a) Disinfection facilities for which no Giardia or virus reduction is required pursuant to section 64654 (a).

(b) The composite of all distribution systems of a public water system.

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§Section 63750.55. GED. “GED” means a general equivalency diploma. §Section 63750.60. Interim Distribution Operator Certificate. “Interim Distribution Operator Certificate” means a certificate issued by the Department pursuant to section 63810. §Section 63750.65. Operator Experience. “Operator experience” means the daily performance of activities consisting of the control or oversight of any process or operation at a water treatment facility or in a distribution system that may affect the quality or quantity of water. §Section 63750.70. Shift Operator. “Shift operator” means a person in direct charge of the operation of a water treatment facility or distribution system for a specified period of the day. §Section 63750.75. Specialized Training. “Specialized training” means college level courses providing at least 36 contact hours of training each in drinking water or wastewater quality, drinking water or wastewater treatment, drinking water distribution, or drinking water or wastewater facility operation, offered by an accredited academic institution or an organization either accredited by the International Association of Continuing Education Training (IACET) or an authorized provider of IACET, or courses completed and deemed acceptable by the Department prior to January 1, 2001 for the purpose of operator certification. § Section 63750.80. State Water Board. “State Water Board” means the State Water Resources Control Board. §Section 63750.85. Water treatment facility. “Water treatment facility” means a group or assemblage of structures, equipment, and processes that treat or condition a water supply, affecting the physical, chemical, or bacteriological quality of water distributed or otherwise offered to the public for domestic use by a public water system as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 116275. Facilities consisting of only disinfection for which no Giardia or virus reduction is required pursuant to Section 64654(a) and which are under the control of a certified distribution operator are not included as water treatment facilities. ARTICLE 2. Operator Certification Grades §Section 63765. Water Treatment Facility Staff Certification Requirements. (a) Except as provided in (c), chief and shift operators shall possess valid

operator certificates pursuant to Table 63765-A.

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TABLE 63765-A – Minimum Certification Requirements for Chief and Shift Operators

Treatment Facility

Classification Minimum Certification of

Chief Operator Minimum Certification

of Shift Operator T1 T1 T1 T2 T2 T1 T3 T3 T2 T4 T4 T3 T5 T5 T3

(b) Treatment operators not designated by the water supplier as chief or shift

operator pursuant to section 64413.5 shall be certified but may hold certificates of any grade.

(c) Until January 1, 2003, a shift and/or chief operator may continue to be employed in that capacity provided that the operator:

(1) Is in compliance with the certification requirements that were in effect on December 31, 2000, and

(2) Has been in continuous employment since December 31, 2000 in a water treatment facility that has not modified its treatment process resulting in a change in classification.

(d) Operators who possessed treatment operator certificates valid as of December 31, 2000 shall be deemed to hold certificates pursuant to Table 63765-B.

TABLE 63765-B – Certificate Grade Equivalents

Operator Certification Grades

December 31, 2000 Operator Certification

Grades January 1, 2001 I T1 II T2 III T3 IV T4 V T5

§Section 63770. Distribution System Staff Certification Requirements. (a) Chief and shift operators shall possess valid operator certificates pursuant to

Table 63770-A.

TABLE 63770-A – Minimum Certification Requirements for Chief and Shift Operators

Distribution System

Classification Minimum Certification of

Chief Operator Minimum Certification

of Shift Operator D1 D1 D1 D2 D2 D1 D3 D3 D2 D4 D4 D3 D5 D5 D3

pg. 6

(b) Water systems shall utilize only certified distribution operators to make decisions addressing the following operational activities:

(1) Install, tap, re-line, disinfect, test and connect water mains and appurtenances.

(2) Shutdown, repair, disinfect and test broken water mains. (3) Oversee the flushing, cleaning, and pigging of existing water mains. (4) Pull, reset, rehabilitate, disinfect and test domestic water wells. (5) Stand-by emergency response duties for after-hours distribution

system operational emergencies. (6) Drain, clean, disinfect, and maintain distribution reservoirs.

(c) Water systems shall utilize either certified distribution operators or treatment operators that have been trained to make decisions addressing the following operational activities:

(1) Operate pumps and related flow and pressure control and storage facilities manually or by using a system control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.

(2) Maintain and/or adjust system flow and pressure requirements, control flows to meet consumer demands including fire flow demands and minimum pressure requirements.

(d) Water systems shall utilize either certified distribution operators or treatment operators to make decisions addressing the following operational activities:

(1) Determine and control proper chemical dosage rates for wellhead disinfection and distribution residual maintenance.

(2) Investigate water quality problems in the distribution system. ARTICLE 3. Operator Examination Criteria and Applications §Section 63775. Eligibility Criteria for Taking a Water Treatment Operator Examination. (a) An applicant who has had a certificate revoked, and not reinstated, for any

reason other than failure to meet renewal requirements pursuant to section 63840 shall not be eligible for water treatment operator examination at any grade level.

(b) In order to be eligible for taking the T1 operator exam, an applicant shall have a high school diploma or GED. The following experience and/or training may be substituted for a high school diploma or GED:

(1) Successful completion of the “Basic Small Water System Operations” course provided by the Department, or

(2) One year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of chemical feeds, hydraulic systems, and pumps.

(c) In order to be eligible for taking the T2 operator exam, an applicant shall have:

(1) A high school diploma or GED. The following experience and/or training may be substituted for a high school diploma or GED:

(A) Successful completion of the “Basic Small Water System Operations” course provided by the Department, or (B) One year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of chemical feeds, hydraulic systems, and pumps.

(d) In order to be eligible for taking the T3 operator exam, an applicant (1) A high school diploma or GED. The following experience and/or

training may be substituted for a high school diploma or GED:

pg. 7

(A) Successful completion of the “Basic Small Water System Operations” course provided by the Department, or (B) One year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of chemical feeds, hydraulic systems, and pumps.

(2) Successfully completed a total of at least two courses of specialized training that includes at least one course covering the fundamentals of drinking water treatment.

(e) In order to be eligible for taking the T4 operator exam, an applicant shall have:

(1) A valid Grade T3 operator certificate. (2) Successfully completed at least three courses of specialized training

that includes at least two courses in drinking water treatment. (f) In order to be eligible for taking the T5 operator exam, an applicant shall

have: (1) A valid Grade T4 operator certificate. (2) Successfully completed at least four courses of specialized training

that includes at least two courses in drinking water treatment. (g) Specialized training courses used to fulfill the requirements of this section

may also be used to fulfill the requirements of section 63780. §Section 63780. Eligibility Criteria for Taking a Distribution Operator Examination. (a) An applicant who has had a certificate revoked, and not reinstated, for any

reason other than failure to meet renewal requirements pursuant to §Section 63840 shall not be eligible for distribution operator examination at any grade level.

(b) In order to be eligible for taking the D1 operator exam, an applicant shall have a high school diploma or GED. The following experience and/or training may be substituted for a high school diploma or GED:

(1) Successful completion of the “Basic Small Water System Operations” course provided by the Department, or

(2) One year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of a piping system that included pumps, valves, and storage tanks.

(c) In order to be eligible for taking the D2 operator exam, an applicant shall have:

(1) A high school diploma or GED. The following experience and/or training may be substituted for a high school diploma or GED:

(A) Successful completion of the “Basic Small Water System Operations” course provided by the Department, or (B) One year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of a piping system that included pumps, valves, and storage tanks.

(2) Successfully completed a total of at least one course of specialized training in water supply principles.

(d) In order to be eligible for taking the D3 operator exam, an applicant shall have:

(1) A valid Grade D2 or interim Grade D3 or higher operator certificate. (2) Successfully completed a total of at least two courses of specialized

training that includes at least one course in water supply principles. (e) In order to be eligible for taking the D4 operator exam, an applicant shall

have:

pg. 8

(1) A valid Grade D3 or interim Grade D4 or higher operator certificate. (2) Successfully completed at least three courses of specialized training

that includes at least two courses in water supply principles. (f) In order to be eligible for taking the D5 operator exam, an applicant shall

have: (1) A valid Grade D4 or interim Grade D5 operator certificate. (2) Successfully completed at least four courses of specialized training

that includes at least two courses in water supply principles. (g) Specialized training courses used to fulfill the requirements of this section

may also be used to fulfill the requirements of section 63775. §Section 63785. Examination Application Content and Submittal. (a) A complete application for examination shall include the following information:

(1) The applicant’s full name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code, providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification.), date of birth, certificate number of any operator certificates ever held, mailing address, work telephone number, and home telephone number.

(2) The date of the examination for which the applicant is applying. (3) The examination fee, pursuant to section 63850. (4) For T1, T2, D1, and D2 applicants, one of the following:

(A) A copy of the applicant’s high school diploma or the name and location of the high school and date of graduation; or (B) A copy of the applicant’s GED; or (C) A certificate of completion for the “Basic Small Water System Operations” course provided by the Department; or (D) The name, address, and phone number of each employer, the length of time employed, and the nature of the work performed that satisfies the requirements of Section 63775(b)(2) or (c)(1)(B) or 63780(b)(2) or (c)(1)(B).

(5) For T3 and D3 applicants, a copy of the applicant’s high school diploma, or the name and location of the high school and date of graduation, or a copy of the applicant’s GED.

(6) Copies of transcripts or certificates of completion of specialized training courses, as provided by the educational institution, claimed to meet the requirements of section 63775 or 63780.

§Section 63790. Examination Scheduling and Application Processing. (a) For admission to an examination, the completed application shall be

postmarked by the final filing date established by the Department. (b) Each applicant for examination shall be notified of the Department’s decision

regarding compliance with the minimum requirements to take the examination set forth in section 63775 or section 63780 within 75 days after the receipt of a complete application. If the Department determines that the application does not meet the requirements, the notice shall include the reasons for the disqualification. If the Department determines that the application does meet the requirements the notice shall include the date of the examination for which they have been accepted.

(c) Examinees shall present their driver’s license, photo identification (ID) card

pg. 9

issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or passport upon entry to the exam.

§Section 63795. Examination Application Resubmittals and Reexaminations. (a) Applications for examination that the Department determines are incomplete

pursuant to section 63785 or do not meet the qualification requirements pursuant to section 63775 or 63780 may be amended within 12 months of the original submittal date for reconsideration without payment of an additional examination fee.

(b) Examinees may apply to retake the exam provided they submit an application that includes the following:

(1) Applicant name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in Sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code, providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification.), current mailing address, grade for which applying, certificate number if currently certified, date of original application, and date of most recent exam taken.

(2) Payment of the reexamination fee pursuant to section 63850. ARTICLE 4. Operator Certification Criteria and Applications §Section 63800. Eligibility Criteria for Water Treatment Operator Certification. (a) In order to be eligible for certification as a T1 operator, an applicant shall have

passed a Grade T1 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification.

(b) In order to be eligible for certification as a T2 operator, an applicant shall have passed a Grade T2 or T3 operator certificate examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification.

(c) In order to be eligible for certification as a T3 operator, an applicant shall have passed a Grade T3 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification, and shall have completed the following:

(1) At least one year of operator experience working as a certified T2 operator for a T2 facility or higher, or a facility that, prior to January 1, 2001, would have met the criteria for classification as a T2 facility or higher pursuant to section 64413.1. and

(2) At least one additional year of operator experience working as a certified treatment operator.

(d) In order to be eligible for certification as a T4 operator, an applicant shall have passed a Grade T4 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification, and shall have completed the following:

(1) At least one year of operator experience working as a shift or chief operator, while holding a valid T3 operator certificate, at a T3 facility or higher, or a facility that, prior to January 1, 2001, would have met the criteria for classification as a T3 facility or higher pursuant to section 64413.1, and

(2) At least three additional years of operator experience working as a certified treatment operator.

(e) In order to be eligible for certification as a T5 operator, an applicant shall have

pg. 10

passed a Grade T5 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification, and shall have completed the following:

(1) At least two years of operator experience working as a shift or chief operator, while holding a valid T4 operator certificate, at a T4 facility or higher, or a facility that, prior to January 1, 2001, would have met the criteria for classification as a T4 facility or higher pursuant to section 64413.1, and

(2) At least three additional years of operator experience working as a certified treatment operator.

(f) A degree earned at an accredited academic institution may be used to fulfill experience requirements in (c)(2), (d)(2), and (e)(2) as follows:

(1) An Associate degree or certificate in water or wastewater technology that includes at least 15 units of physical, chemical, or biological science may be used to fulfill 1 year of operator experience.

(2) A bachelor’s degree in engineering or in physical, chemical, or biological sciences may be used to fulfill 1.5 years of operator experience.

(3) A master’s degree in engineering or in physical, chemical, or biological sciences may be used to fulfill 2 years of operator experience.

(g) A certified operator may substitute on a day-for-day basis the experience requirements in (c)(2) with experience gained while working with lead responsibility for water quality related projects or research.

(h) If the applicant has a bachelor’s of science or a master’s of science degree, completion of a comprehensive operator training program may be used to fulfill the operator experience requirements in (c)(1) and (d)(1). Completion of the training shall be verified in writing by the chief operator. The comprehensive operator training program shall be at least 6 months in duration and shall cover the following elements:

(1) California Safe Drinking Water Act and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

(2) Water treatment calculations. (3) SCADA operation. (4) Handling of laboratory chemicals used for drinking water analyses. (5) Laboratory analyses conducted by operators. (6) Safety training. (7) Distribution system operation. (8) Treatment chemical dosing and monitoring. (9) Disinfectant dosing and monitoring. (10) Treatment processes and controls.

(i) Experience gained as a certified wastewater treatment plant operator, pursuant to California Water Code sections 13625 through 13633, may be used to fulfill up to two years of the operator experience requirements in (c)(2), (d)(2), and (e)(2). Each two months of experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator shall be considered equivalent to one month of water treatment facility operator experience.

§Section 63805. Eligibility Criteria for Distribution Operator Certification. (a) In order to be eligible for certification as a D1 operator, an applicant shall

have passed a Grade D1 operator examination within the three years prior to

pg. 11

submitting the application for certification. (b) In order to be eligible for certification as a D2 operator, an applicant shall

have passed a Grade D2 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification.

(c) In order to be eligible for certification as a D3 operator, an applicant shall have passed a Grade D3 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification, and shall have completed the following:

(1) At least one year of operator experience working as a certified D2 operator, interim D3 or higher operator, or temporary D3 operator for a D2 system or higher, or a system that, prior to January 1, 2001, would have met the criteria for classification as a D2 system or higher pursuant to section 64413.3.

(2) At least one additional year of operator experience working as a distribution operator.

(d) In order to be eligible for certification as a D4 operator, an applicant shall have passed a Grade D4 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification, and shall have completed the following:

(1) At least one year of operator experience working as a certified D3, interim D4 or higher operator, or temporary D4 operator for a D3 system or higher, or a system that, prior to January 1, 2001, would have met the criteria for classification as a D3 facility or higher pursuant to section 64413.3, and

(2) At least three additional years of operator experience working as a distribution operator.

(e) In order to be eligible for certification as a D5 operator, an applicant shall have passed a Grade D5 operator examination within the three years prior to submitting the application for certification, and shall have completed the following:

(1) At least two years of operator experience working as a certified D4, interim D5 operator, or temporary D5 operator for a D4 or D5 system, or a system that, prior to January 1, 2001, would have met the criteria for classification as a D4 or D5 system pursuant to section 64413.3, and

(2) At least three additional years of operator experience working as a distribution operator.

(f) A degree earned at an accredited academic institution may be used to fulfill experience requirements in (c)(2), (d)(2), and (e)(2) as follows:

(1) An associate’s degree, or certificate, in water or wastewater technology or distribution that includes at least 15 units of physical, chemical, or biological science may be used to fulfill 1 year of operator experience.

(2) A bachelor’s degree in engineering or in physical, chemical, or biological sciences may be used to fulfill 1.5 years of operator experience.

(3) A master’s degree in engineering or in physical, chemical, or biological sciences may be used to fulfill 2 years of operator experience.

(g) A certified operator may substitute on a day-for-day basis the experience requirements in (c)(2) with experience gained while working with lead

pg. 12

responsibility for water quality or quantity related projects or research. §Section 63810. Interim Certification of Distribution Operators. (a) A distribution operator in a position responsible for making decisions identified

in section 63770 (b), (c), or (d) on December 31, 2000, shall be eligible for interim certification provided that the employing water supplier, as defined in section 64402.20, submits an application which shall include for each employee:

(1) The employee’s full name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code, providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification.), date of birth, certificate number of any operator certificates ever held, mailing address, work telephone number, and home telephone number.

(2) The grade at which the operator will be certified. (3) The certification fee specified in Table 63850-C.

(b) Interim distribution operator certificates shall be effective as of January 1, 2001, and shall expire on January 1, 2004. Such certificates may be renewed only once for an additional 3 years and only if the water system has not received any notice of violation, citation, or order from the Department or EPA since January 1, 2001, unless the public water system can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the violation was not the result of actions taken or not taken by the operator(s). After January 1, 2007, all interim operator certificates shall be invalid.

(c) In order to renew an interim certificate, a water supplier shall submit a renewal application between July 1, 2003 and September 1, 2003. The renewal application shall include the following:

(1) The operator’s name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code, providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification), current mailing address, certificate grade, and certificate number.

(2) Payment of the renewal fee specified in section 63850(e). (3) Documentation of continuing education contact hours as required

by section 63840. §Section 63815. CNAWWA Distribution Operator Certification. (a) Distribution operators holding a valid California-Nevada Section of the

American Water Works Association (CNAWWA) distribution operator certificate on December 31, 2000, shall be deemed to have a distribution operator certification valid through December 31, 2001, pursuant to Table 63815-A.

pg. 13

Table 63815-A. CNAWWA - California State Operator Grade Equivalents

CNAWWA Grade California State Grade 1 D2 2 D3 3 D4 4 D5

(b) In order to renew a certification deemed valid pursuant to subsection (a), an

operator shall submit a renewal application by September 1, 2001. (c) The renewal application shall include the following:

(1) The applicant’s name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code, providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification.), date of birth, current mailing address, work telephone number, home telephone number, certificate number of any operator certificates ever held, CNAWWA grade, and a copy of the CNAWWA certificate.

(2) Payment of the appropriate renewal fee specified in section 63850(f). (d) The initial renewal of a certificate deemed valid pursuant to subsection (a)

shall be valid for a two-year period.

§Section 63820. Temporary Distribution Operator Certification. (a) Distribution operators who have received notice of qualification for

examination shall be deemed to have a temporary distribution operator certification at the grade for which they have been qualified for examination. All temporary certifications will expire January 1, 2004 and shall not be renewable.

§Section 63825. Restricted Operator Certification. (a) A T1, T2, D1, or D2 restricted operator certificate may be issued without a

written examination if the following conditions are met: (1) The water supplier, as defined in section 64402.20, serves a

disadvantaged community as defined in section 63000.25; and (2) The Department has issued a citation or order to the water supplier

for noncompliance with section 64413.5 or 64413.7, or Health and Safety Code section 116555(a)(4), (5), or (b); and

(3) The water supplier submits an application pursuant to section 63830 and pays the application and examination fee specified in section 63850; and

(4) The operator meets the criteria for taking the T1, T2, D1, or D2 exam and passes a performance test administered by the Department that measures his or her knowledge and ability to operate the specific treatment facility and/or distribution system without jeopardizing public health or safety.

(b) The restricted operator certificate shall be valid for three years. The certificate may be renewed if the water supplier continues to serve a disadvantaged community and submits an application pursuant to section 63840 and the operator has met the continuing education requirements as specified in subsection 63840(c).

pg. 14

(c) The restricted operator certificate is not transferable. §Section 63830. Certification Application Content and Submittal. (a) A complete application for operator certification shall contain the following:

(1) The applicant’s full name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code, providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification.), date of birth, certificate number of any operator certificates ever held, mailing address, work telephone number, and home telephone number.

(2) Payment of certification fee pursuant to section 63850. (3) For any experience being claimed to meet the experience

requirements in sections 63800 or 63805, the name, address, and phone number of each employer, the length of time employed, and the nature of the work performed.

(4) Employer verification of the experience being claimed in paragraph (3) with the signature of the chief operator or supervisor of each employer.

(5) Copies of college transcripts if claiming any of the credits pursuant to sections 63800(f), 63800(h) and 63805(f).

(6) Copies of transcripts or certificates of completion of specialized training courses claimed to meet minimum requirements.

§Section 63835. Certification and Renewal Application Processing. (a) Each applicant submitting an application or reapplication for certification

or renewal shall be notified of the Department’s decision regarding compliance with the requirements set forth in Sections 63800, 63805, 63830, or 63840 within 75 days after the receipt of the application or reapplication. If the Department determines that the application or reapplication does not meet the requirements, the applicant shall be notified of the reasons for the disqualification.

(b) Applications for certification that the Department determines do not meet the requirements may reapply within 12 months of the original submittal date without payment of an additional certification or renewal fee.

(c) The Department’s median, minimum, and maximum processing times for applications for operator certification are as follows:

Median -- 25 calendar days Minimum -- 5 calendar days Maximum – 60 calendar days

§Section 63840. Certification Renewals. (a) All certified operators shall notify the Department within 60 days of any

change in address or name during the period of their certification. (b) Any person wishing to maintain a valid operator certificate shall submit an

application for renewal at least 120 days, but no more than 180 days, prior to expiration of the certification. The following items constitute a complete application for renewal:

(1) The applicant’s name, social security number (pursuant to the authority found in sections 100275 and 106910 of the Health and Safety Code and as required by section 17520 of the Family Code,

pg. 15

providing the social security number is mandatory. The social security number will be used for purposes of identification.), current mailing address, grade, and certificate number.

(2) Payment of the renewal fee specified in Section 63850(c), (d), (e), or (f).

(3) A list of successfully completed continuing education courses as required by subsection (c). The following information shall be provided for each course:

(A) Title (B) Name of the instructor (C) Location, (D) Date(s) (E) Number of contact hours.

(c) To be eligible for certificate renewal, certified operators possessing certificates that expire after December 31, 2003, shall have completed continuing education contact hours since the previous renewal or issuance of the certificate pursuant to Table 63840-A. No more than 25% of the contact hours shall be courses in operator safety.

Table 63840-A. Required Continuing Education Contact Hours for CertificateRenewal

Water Treatment Operators Contact Hours Required

Grade T1 12 Grade T2 16 Grade T3 24 Grade T4 36 Grade T5 36

Distribution Operators Grade D1 12 Grade D2 16 Grade D3 24 Grade D4 36 Grade D5 36

(1) Operators possessing both distribution and treatment certificates

may apply continuing education credits to both certificates. (2) Specialized training that is used to satisfy the requirements of

section 63775 or 63780 may be used to satisfy the continuing education requirements of Table 63840-A if obtained since the previous renewal or issuance of the certificate.

(d) Except as provided in section 63815, each certificate renewed pursuant to (b) shall be valid for a period of three years.

ARTICLE 5. Certification Renewals, Delinquent Renewals and Fees §Section 63845. Reinstatement. (a) A certificate that has been revoked only for lack of payment may be reinstated

within 1 year if all fees and penalties specified in section 63850 are paid and the renewal application is complete.

pg. 16

(b) A certificate that has been revoked for failure to complete the continuing education contact hours required in Table 63840-A may be reinstated within six months if all requirements specified in Table 63840-A are met and penalties specified in section 63850 are paid and the renewal application is complete. Contact hours obtained for reinstatement shall not be used to satisfy the requirements of the next renewal period.

(c) A certificate that has been revoked for more than one year shall not be renewed.

(d) The expiration date of a certificate that has been renewed pursuant to this section shall remain the same as if the previous certificate had been renewed prior to the expiration date.

§ Section 63850. Fees. (a) All fees submitted to the State Water Board pursuant to this section are

nonrefundable. (b) Application fees for an examination are set forth below in Table 63850-A:

Table 63850-A. Operator Examination Fee Schedule

Grade Examination Fee Reexamination Fee D1 or T1 $50 $30 D2 or T2 $65 $45 D3 or T3 $100 $70 D4 or T4 $130 $95 D5 or T5 $155 $120

(c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), certification fees are set forth below in Table 63850-B: Table 63850-B. Fee Schedule for Operators With a Single Certificate

Grade Certification Fee Triennial Renewal Fee D1 or T1 $70 $70 D2 or T2 $80 $80 D3 or T3 $120 $120 D4 or T4 $140 $140 D5 or T5 $140 $140

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), the certification fees for those operators who are

applying for, or hold, two or more valid, unexpired certifications issued by the State Water Board as a water treatment operator, distribution operator, or wastewater treatment plant operator are set forth below in Table 63850-C:

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Table 63850-C. Fee Schedule for Operators With Multiple Certificates

Grade Certification Fee

per Certificate Triennial Renewal Fee

per Certificate D1 or T1 $55 $55 D2 or T2 $60 $60 D3 or T3 $90 $90 D4 or T4 $105 $105 D5 or T5 $105 $105

(e) A penalty fee of $50 shall be paid for renewals submitted or resubmitted after the

renewal due date but at least 45 days prior to the expiration date. A penalty fee of $100 shall be paid for renewals submitted or resubmitted less than 45 days prior to the expiration date but within 1 year after the expiration date.

(f) A certificate replacement fee of $25 shall be paid by any certificate holder requesting to have a lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate replaced.

Authority Cited: Sections 106890 and 106910, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 106890 and 106910, Health and Safety Code.

pg. 18

Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring Regulations

Article 2. General Requirements §Section 64413.1. Classification of Water Treatment Facilities. (a) Each water treatment facility shall be classified pursuant to Table 64413.1-A

based on the calculation of total points for the facility using the factors specified in subsection (b).

Table 64413.1-A. Water Treatment Facility Class Designations

Total Points Class

Less than 20 T1 20 through 39 T2 40 through 59 T3 60 through 79 T4

80 or more T5

(b) The calculation of total points for each water treatment facility shall be the sum of the points derived in each of paragraphs (1) through (13) except where a treatment facility treats more than one source, in which case the source with the highest average of each contaminant shall be used to determine the point value in paragraphs (2) through (5).

(1) For water source, the points are determined pursuant to Table 64413.1-B.

Table 64413.1-B. Points for Source Water Used by the Facility

Type of source water used by the facility Points

Groundwater and/or purchased treated water meeting primary and secondary drinking water standards, as defined in section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code

2

Water that includes any surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water 5

(2) For influent microbiological water quality, points shall be determined

by using the median of all total coliform analyses completed in the previous 24 months pursuant to Table 64413.1-C:

Table 64413.1-C. Influent Water Microbiological Quality Points

Median Coliform Density Most Probable Number Index (MPN) Points

less than 1 per 100 mL 0 1 through 100 per 100 mL 2 greater than 100 through 1,000 per 100 mL 4 greater than 1,000 through 10,000 per 100 mL 6 greater than 10,000 per 100 mL 8

pg. 19

(3) For facilities treating surface water or groundwater under the direct

influence of surface water, points for influent water turbidity shall be determined pursuant to Table 64413.1-D on the basis of the previous 24 months of data, except that if turbidity data is missing for one or more of the months, the points given for turbidity shall be 5. The maximum influent turbidity sustained for at least one hour according to an on-line turbidimeter shall be used unless such data is not available, in which case, the maximum influent turbidity identified by grab sample shall be used. For facilities that have not been in operation for 24 months, the available data shall be used. For facilities whose permit specifies measures to ensure that influent turbidity will not exceed a specified level, the points corresponding to that level shall be assigned.

Table 64413.1-D. Influent Water Turbidity Points

Maximum Influent Turbidity Level

Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) Points

Less than 15 0 15 through 100 2

Greater than 100 5

(4) The points for influent water nitrate and nitrite levels shall be determined by an average of the three most recent sample results, pursuant to Table 64413.1-E.

Table 64413.1-E. Influent Water Nitrate and Nitrite Points

Nitrate and Nitrite Data Average Points

Less than or equal to the maximum contaminant level (MCL), as specified in Table 64431-A 0

Greater than the MCL 5

(5) The points for other influent water contaminants with primary MCLs shall be a sum of the points for each of the inorganic contaminants (Table 64431-A), organic contaminants (Table 64444-A) and radionuclides (Table 4, section 64443). The points for each contaminant shall be based on an average of the three most recent sample results, pursuant to Table 64413.1-F. If monitoring for a contaminant has been waived pursuant to sections 64432(k), 64432.2(c), or 64445(d), the points shall be zero for that contaminant.

Table 64413.1-F. Influent Water Chemical and

Radiological Contaminant Points

Contaminant Data Average Points Less than or equal to the MCL 0

Greater than the MCL 2 5 Times the MCL or greater 5

pg. 20

(6) The total points for surface water filtration treatment shall be the sum of the points of those treatment processes utilized by the facility for compliance with section 64652, pursuant to Table 64413.1-G.

Table 64413.1-G. Points for Surface Water Filtration Treatment

Treatment Points

Conventional, direct, or inline 15 Diatomaceous earth 12

Slow sand, membrane, cartridge, or bag filter 8 Backwash recycled as part of process 5

(7) The points for each treatment process utilized by the facility and not

included in paragraph (6) that is used to reduce the concentration of one or more contaminants for which a primary MCL exists, pursuant to Table 64431-A, Table 64444-A, and Table 4 of section 64443, shall be 10. Blending shall only be counted as a treatment process if one of the blended sources exceeds a primary MCL.

(8) The points for each treatment process not included in paragraphs (6), or (7) that is used to reduce the concentration of one or more contaminants for which a secondary MCL exists, pursuant to Tables 64449-A and 64449-B, shall be 3. Blending shall only be counted as a treatment process if one of the blended sources exceeds a secondary MCL.

(9) The points for each treatment process not included in paragraphs (6), (7), or (8) that is used for corrosion control or fluoridation shall be 3.

(10) The total points for disinfection treatment shall be the sum of the points for those treatment processes utilized by the facility for compliance with section 64654(a), pursuant to Table 64413.1-H.

Table 64413.1-H. Points for Disinfection Treatment

Treatment Process Points

Ozone 10 Chlorine and/or chloramine 10

Chlorine dioxide 10 Ultra violet (UV) 7

(11) The points for disinfection/oxidation treatment not included in

paragraphs (6), (7), (8), or (10) shall be a sum of the points for all the treatment processes used at the facility pursuant to Table 64413.1-I.

Table 64413.1-I. Points for Disinfection/Oxidation Treatment

Without Inactivation Credit

Treatment Process Points

Ozone 5

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Chlorine and/or chloramine 5 Chlorine dioxide 5 Ultra violet (UV) 3 Other oxidants 5

(12) The points for any other treatment process that alters the physical or

chemical characteristics of the drinking water and that was not included in paragraphs (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), or (11) shall be 3.

(13) The points for facility flow shall be 2 per million gallons per day or fraction thereof of maximum permitted treatment facility capacity, up to a maximum of 50 points; except that for facilities utilizing only blending, the points shall be based on the flow from the contaminated source and the dilution flow required to meet the MCL(s) specified in Tables 64431-A, 64444-A, 64449-A, 64449-B, and Table 4 of section 64443.

§Section 64413.3. Classification of Distribution Systems. (a) The distribution system for each community and nontransient- noncommunity

water system shall be classified pursuant to Table 64413.3-A, unless modified pursuant to subsection (b). For a wholesaler, the population served shall include the customers served by its retailers.

pg. 22

Table 64413.3-A. Distribution System Classifications

Population Served Class

1,000 or less D1 1,001 through 10,000 D2

10,001 through 50,000 D3 50,001 through 5 million D4

Greater than 5 million D5

(b) The class determined pursuant to (a) shall be upgraded by one level if the population served is 5 million or less and the sum of all the points from paragraphs (1) through (6) exceeds 20.

(1) The points for pressure zones shall be zero for up to three zones, 4 for four to ten zones, or 6 for more than ten zones.

(2) The points for disinfectants used shall be zero if no disinfectant is applied in the distribution system and no more than one type of disinfectant residual is entering the distribution system. The points shall be 5 if a single disinfectant or ammonia is applied in the distribution system. The points shall be 8 if there are multiple disinfectants in the system.

(3) The points based on the largest single pump in the system for which the distribution operator is responsible shall be 4 for up to fifty horsepower, or 6 for fifty or more horsepower.

(4) The points for distribution storage reservoirs in the system shall be 4 for one to five reservoirs, or 6 for greater than five.

(5) The points for one or more existing uncovered distribution reservoirs shall be 10.

(6) The points to be added if any of the distribution system customers are also served by a non-potable water distribution system shall be 6. This does not apply to wholesalers if the only customers receiving non-potable water are served by its retailers.

§Section 64413.5. Treatment Facility Staff Certification Requirements. (a) Each water supplier shall designate at least one chief operator that meets the

requirements specified in section 63765 for each water treatment facility utilized by the water system.

(b) Each water supplier shall designate at least one shift operator that meets the requirements specified in section 63765 for each water treatment facility utilized by the water system for each operating shift.

(c) Except as provided in (d), a chief operator or shift operator shall be on-site at all times that the facility is operating.

(d) If the water supplier’s operations plan, submitted and approved pursuant to section 64661, demonstrates an equal degree of operational oversight and reliability with either unmanned operation or operation under reduced operator certification requirements, the chief operator or shift operator is not required to be on-site, but shall be able to be contacted within one hour.

(e) If there is no change in the treatment facility and the employed shift and/or chief operators, the water supplier shall be in compliance until January 1, 2003 with the shift and operator certification requirements that were in effect on December 31, 2000. If the water system employs a new shift and/or

pg. 23

chief operator, that operator shall meet the certification requirements pursuant to section 63765(a).

§Section 64413.7. Distribution System Staff Certification Requirements. (a) Each water supplier shall designate at least one chief operator that meets the

requirements specified in section 63770 for each distribution system utilized by the water system.

(b) Each water supplier shall designate at least one shift operator that meets the requirements specified in section 63770 for each distribution system utilized by the water system for each operating shift.

(c) The chief operator or shift operator shall be on-site or able to be contacted within one hour.